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Shipping

How to calculate your shipment’s CBM

Measure your packed cartons, calculate their volume, and send clear details for a shipping quote.

Najmat Alwaleed

Measure the packed carton

Measure the outside length, width and height after packing. Include any packaging that extends beyond the box. Use the same unit for all three measurements; product dimensions alone do not describe the space the shipment occupies.

Calculate one carton, then the shipment

For centimetres: CBM = length × width × height ÷ 1,000,000. Multiply by the number of identical cartons. Ten cartons measuring 60 × 40 × 50 cm each occupy 0.12 m³ per carton and 1.20 m³ in total. This is a calculated example, not a freight price.

Different carton sizes? Calculate each group

Suppose you also have five cartons measuring 40 × 30 × 30 cm. That group occupies 0.18 m³. Add the two group totals: 1.20 + 0.18 = 1.38 m³. Keep each group’s dimensions and quantity in your packing list so the calculation can be checked.

Volume and chargeable weight are different

CBM describes volume. A carrier may convert that volume to dimensional weight and compare it with actual gross weight. The conversion depends on the service. Ask which charging rule applies to your quote instead of assuming that CBM alone determines the price.

Send the useful details

Use our calculator for each carton group, then share dimensions, carton counts, gross weight and pickup and delivery locations. If your cargo is palletised, also supply the final pallet dimensions. Ask us to confirm the measurement basis before booking.

Use the CBM calculator →